Daily News: Monday 10/30/17

MINI Releases New John Cooper Works Tuning Kit for Countryman and Clubman

MINI USA has taken advantage of the SEMA Show in Las Vegas–a Mecca for power-adder parts–to release their new John Cooper Works Tuning Kit. While tuning kits already exist for the normal MINI Hardtop, the company has added the Clubman and Countryman models to the Tuning Kit lineup.

Available only for MY 2018+ Cooper S and Cooper S ALL4 variants of the models, the kit includes hardware and software changes which increases the engine’s power output from 189 to 208 hp and pushes the maximum torque to 221 ft-lb between 1,350 and 4,600 rpm.

The kit, which costs $1,950, features a Bluetooth actuated exhaust valve system to easily switch between two operating modes – Sport mode and Sport+ mode. This system–where Sport mode is approved for unrestricted use on public roads while the Sport+ mode is designed for use on the race track–is the highlight of the tuning kit, and will provide the greatest addition to ‘sporting character’ for most drivers.

While further details of the kit are undetailed, expect them to be limited to the installation of an improved induction system–likely through the addition of a drop-in air-filter–and software changes.

The new tuning kit is displayed on a returning special-edition. the Ice Blue Special Edition. Sold on a first come, first served basis and limited in number, the special edition is construncted from a 2018 MINI Hardtop two-door, and it’s sole difference from non-special editions is it’s color, Ice Blue, not seen since 2013.

Those interested in the Ice Blue Special Edition should see their MINI dealer as soon as possible.

Honda Releases Civic Type R Engine as Crate Engine at SEMA 2017

To the pleasure of their North American fans, Honda has announced for the first time that their Honda Performance Development’s (HPD) Honda Racing Line program would facilitate the global release of the current Civic Type R engine as a crate engine. Available for $6,519.87, excluding shipping cost, this marks the first time the company has released their crate engine program outside of Europe and Asia.

The Civic Type R is the fastest FWD production car, and as such, its engine will certainly power many race cars to impressive performance numbers. And they will be race cars, as Honda is limiting the sale of the crate engine to grassroots and professional racers for verified, closed-course racing applications, meaning there will NOT be many Type R-powered street cars prowling the roads.

Finally. They’ve done it, and Mopar has listened to the masses of fans clamoring for the release of their 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI of Hellcat fame. This crate engine kit, dubbed the ‘Hellcrate’ comes with the same 707 horsepower, 650 lb.-ft. of torque, and factory-backing as the normal Hellcat line of vehicles.

This kit costs $19,530 and for that price includes an engine. For an extra $2,195, customers are advised to purchase the Mopar “Hellcrate” HEMI Engine kit which comes with a powertrain control module (PCM), power distribution center, engine wiring harness, chassis harness, accelerator pedal, ground jumper, oxygen sensors, charge air temperature sensors and fuel pump control module for the 6.2-liter supercharged Crate HEMI Engine. The PCM is unlocked and set to the factory 707- horsepower calibration.

Also available for an undisclosed price, is the Front End Accessory Drive (FEAD) Kit, which includes an alternator, power steering pump, belts, pulleys and more.